Detroit Tigers: Spencer Turnbull makes history with no-hitter in Seattle

The Detroit Tigers witnessed something truly spectacular last night. Right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull tossed a real gem for the Tigers, amounting to the organization’s eighth career no-hitter. The last player to throw a no-hitter for the Tigers organization was none other than Justin Verlander.

On May 7th, 2011, Verlander tossed his gem against the Toronto Blue Jays. This is the first time someone other than Verlander has thrown a no-hitter for the Tigers since Jack Morris did back in 1984. Turnbull has etched his name in the team and league record books after last night’s performance.

Turnbull was electric. His final line reads 9.0 IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 2BB, 9K, 117 pitches (77 of which were strikes). Only prospect Jarred Kelenic, and eight-hitter José Marmolejos would reach base by way of walks.

Here’s a look at the final out and reaction from Turnbull:

Detroit Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull put himself on the map last night after tossing a no-hitter.

Turnbull does not garner a lot of attention, and he may very well be an underrated talent. He has the stuff and is continuing to develop. With new pitching coach Chris Fetter at the helm of the team’s pitching staff, plenty of progress has been made.

His start in the big leagues may have been quiet, but he was certain to put himself on the big stage and get noticed with his performance last night. Turnbull moves to 3-2 on the season and features a 2.88 ERA and 0.96 WHIP.

Over 34.1 innings pitched, Turnbull has punched out 31 opposing hitters and allowed just 25 hits with only one big fly. He has issued just eight free passes on the 2021 season as well; needless to say, he has pitched pretty well since he returned to the mound in 2021.

Turnbull has some great stuff and is going to continue to pitch well and get better with the guidance of a solid coaching staff. He can celebrate the victory and immortalization in baseball history with his no-hitter, but to be optimistic, it might not be the only time Turnbull flirts with greatness.

The guy has seemingly figured things out and come into his own, and if he can continue to pitch well through the rebuild, he could be someone who helps anchor the rotation with guys like Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal running up the middle of the rotation as they find their footing in the big leagues.

Congratulations to Spencer Turnbull and the Detroit Tigers! They may not give fans much to celebrate during a lengthy rebuild but last night’s effort was surely something special.